十月二十九日，距離萬聖節還有兩天，也是我和Mia從酒店返回Solihull的凶宅後的第二日。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBMeaRHoyl
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9wUIwEkhM
為了安全起見，Mia和我在家裡形影不離，白晝一同出門到市中心的超級市場買食材，在咖啡店喝杯咖啡，晚餐後安坐在客廳的梳化上，搭著毛毯看電影，看累了便一同回去睡房，睡在同一個被窩中。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSmH1OvRPf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzFFzx3kNG
我們甚至會陪伴對方去廁所，一起洗澡浸浴，就像一對熱戀情侶。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll3r4Q1iPe
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJWDyLLNoU
當然了，即使睡在一起也不代表我們有進一步的親密行為。畢竟這間屋裡還有一對鬼母子。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3C6pOwmdt
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCyUhgk8su
但出乎我們預料的是，回到家後到現在為止，再沒有怪事發生⋯⋯如果撇開凌晨時份偶爾聽到腳步聲和對話聲不計。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIOVD4yfLT
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9IkOwPOtP
樂觀地想，至少我們並沒有送命。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhos3JCHr6q
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJksgIs2nDd
縱然無法理解箇中原因，但偉恩說得無錯，現在待在家中反而最安全。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf8Bk50OJz
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewpIBdS1e9
我和Mia一度以為這場噩夢已經成為過去，佯裝若無其事地生活，待事情掉淡後再另覓居所。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBaHKV0vvT
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsLYbjvJif
Ella曾經說過萬聖節是陰間和人間重疊的時刻，有點像所謂的鬼門關大開。既然有開門時間，那麼應該有關門的時間吧？178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuLLrdoqn9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgnpQergah
那麼，只要我們捱過萬聖節都平安無事的話，那對鬼母子應該就會放過我們吧？178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26JlPMPctq
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfMqQxp4xx
終於我和Mia心裡有了計劃，拖到萬聖節結束然後搬出去，展開只屬於我們兩人的新生活。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjNfZPJu8v
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85y8rq6rGn
「總之暫時咩都唔好諗，我哋好好放假。」我在咖啡店捱著她的手說道。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVfIJDu30B
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf5Cdi3FLG
一切都很美好，直至今天我和Mia散步回來，在家門外的直路遇到鄰居大叔Tim。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQXaw9L3iu
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ww6FrS0r3
風鈴再次被風響了。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7agh0cfE5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kmYTyveNX
Mia忽然問道：「Steven，你住嘅呢條街唔算多人慶祝萬聖節。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxmrmC1YL9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPYZ8yrz4e
我停下腳步回望兩旁的住宅，留意到奇怪之處。英國擺節日裝飾很常見，在網上都會看到誇張得很的佈置，譬如說南瓜燈、燈串、骷髏骨頭和蜘蛛網。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORSLuZaQWN
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4naQMRmz8
像去年的萬聖節我跟了酒吧認識的獨居女生回家，她的屋外泊了一部假的警車，圍了圍封的膠帶，室外和睡房的地板都用粉筆劃了人形圖案，佈置成謀殺案的事故現場。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU74hlEAVIv
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HYBpgFEWR
「殺死我！」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JP1KXqhhN
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaF9oTGgcH
「再快啲！再快啲！我要死喇！」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0041dTzEUQ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DgznfkWhY
那一次我扮演變態殺人狂，而那個女生一晚死了三次，荒唐的畫面至今記憶猶新。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeAaiXdvBt
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nskKoTgB4
但，我的性經驗不是重點。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimkuXuTxQ7
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoFvbX1gnP
重點是佈置。我們經過的住宅能分成「有佈置」和「完全沒有佈置」兩派，兩者中間沒有灰色地帶。吊詭的是，我認出有萬聖節佈置的都是搬進來不長時間的居民，至於那些彷彿忘了萬聖節存在的民居都是跟Tim一樣，住了超過二十年以上的老居民。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbhQXjjGGf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9OFeGEUS4
「可能舊居民冇慶祝節日嘅習慣？」我不怎確定地對Mia解釋。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbPfNuYps0
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQgmeYdN9f
這時候，Tim的聲音在我們不遠處的草地響起。
這時候，Tim的聲音在我們不遠處的草地響起。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVC4EROXaf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQZ4opzm67
「大家只係唔慶祝萬聖節。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmxGe49OIU
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoow1kVwkmq
轉頭一瞥，我們與Tim的視線剛好對上。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYo5MmMdIT
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6wJQVnmQN
Tim是「完全沒有佈置」的一派。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK6cnpZa5F
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKgOFSVGqi
他關掉噏噏震動的剪草機，瞇起眼瞧看陰雲滿佈的天空。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcyyzr76FN
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHCDnuyoss
「嗯，又準備落雨。每年都一樣。你兩個都快啲返屋企囉。」他說罷便轉身往門外的木梯級走過去。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ42FRYLoZ4
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACAaY8ZKWr
我不經意地看了Tim的屋子一眼，發現他是「完全沒有佈置」的一派，霍然憶起他在派對當晚登門的奇怪表情。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TWarbSoXt
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD3KCagFff
直覺告訴我，眼前這道背影應該知道我需要一早知道的事情。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3hyDjtHc2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBjninEO48
我追問道：「點解大家唔慶祝萬聖節？係唔係怕啲咩？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW3hlhh1Yf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftzBEhLPsP
「你哋還好？」Tim停雨腳步，神色複雜地回望我們。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ql5KkFrmu
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeHCoWPwwK
我沒有回答他的問題，直勾勾地看著他。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPvUGgFBOZ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl37I6C1n3
Mia說道：「我哋想知道『萬聖節』嘅事。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeCohUooad
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdU7FFH59J
Tim低吟兩秒，應道：「如果你哋唔趕時間，入嚟飲杯咖啡吧。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Si7AviS61
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMBXxEugUU
如是者，Mia和我在Tim的邀請下到他的家作客。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOcSfWXCsH
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLVcR1vlRz
Tim的家裝潢不俗，沒有過份現代化的設計，像九十年代的電影常見的佈置，廚房依然沿用明火的爐頭，棕色梳化的皮有點脫色，跟泛黃的薄荷綠直紋牆紙同樣帶著歲月月的痕跡。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoUbubK2qR
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzpXpsSGyf
窗戶外下起毛毛細雨，窗台上的花瓶，插著一束白花。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAsBRdixTq
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PpeHfcjOJ
這時候，我和Mia坐在廚房外的木枱旁，看著Tim在狹隘的廚房煲水，動作不怎熟練。這一點我清楚不過，因為每日黃昏都帶外賣員的單車停在他的門口。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCJXRweISS
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5LpApltw2
嗒，嗒。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWmmAk65YR
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mSqN3gPlH
「Come on，you little shit⋯⋯」Tim 抱怨兩句後，爐頭亮起火光。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoBxVBGA1H
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6UiTjXK2i
我好奇地站起來，在客廳踱步，當我走到壁爐前觀看錶在牆上的簽名球衣時，不禁被爐上的相架吸引住視線。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjcvkqFqrM
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDCl5tAN3p
一家四口的全家幅。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y0pgFsHuo
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1QeaOFtJf
照片中的Tim金髮濃密，額頭沒有現在的火車路軌。他搭著妻子的肩膀，身前站著兩個活潑小孩，看上去十分溫馨。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TQJZ8g3J3
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWiehJk8Rr
水煲發出汽笛的鳴聲，壺嘴冒出熱霧，然後Tim小心翼翼地端著剛沖好的熱咖啡，從廚房步出客廳。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7wpJhs2T8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl04rt2r1Sq
「哈哈，以前都係我老婆招呼客人。佢走咗之後啊，你哋算係我第一個客人。」Tim發現我正在壁爐前看照片。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjKw9SEp0d
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnX9WpsQXk
「唔好意思。」 我尷尬一笑。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv8uhZCtdm
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcl15ZlEhM
「唔緊要，哈哈。」Tim擺擺手，正色道：「所以，你哋想問關於萬聖節嘅事？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YjQrW5qXB
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij5wDEBNHQ
「因為見到你哋屋企冇萬聖節裝飾。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIdSCaLUUJ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FcnrKIJdf
「我哋唔慶祝嘛，大概算係一種尊重吧。對我哋呢啲老街坊嚟講，萬聖節唔係一個好日子，或者係近乎一種禁忌。近幾年搬入嚟嘅鄰居唔知道。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdPq8ksdJq
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqGQn2aGQx
「宗教信仰？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCcOw9kXcO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh6oeGUkRA
Tim 搖了搖頭。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qsJMu0Etp
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKszc6ATwJ
「你哋無對佢哋解釋？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82VnhLISZ1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBJTAftROg
「冇人願意提，而且有啲事知得愈少愈好。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo4WhIjQME
「但你同我哋講嘅原因係？」Mia疑惑。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0xT8uwXP1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoa3ag9rzE
「因為我想搵後生女仔陪我呢個大叔傾計解悶囉，嘿嘿。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYkPOa5zv7
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Ulu5HaRc
我們知道，Tim沒有說出真正的原因。真正原因是，我們是需要知道真相的人。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA6A6iRmZh
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzQPojV0hR
「你哋都冇佈置，不過應該係其他原因？」Tim呷一口咖啡，壓低聲線道：「已經見過『佢哋』？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VSo7xuj4H
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZmlciBIS1
Tim口中的「他們」顯然指那對鬼母子！178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m3FpGFg4f
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKGr6AWAaC
我和Mia不約而同點頭。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYYpogvdbx
「你知道佢哋存在？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU6XbyP335
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi4jgamulV
「唔，呢十幾年來有幾個舊街坊見到佢哋。每一次都係十月三十一號。佢哋拖住手，出現喺呢條街。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEDYkgjA7g
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjk19jg19t
「唔係每一年？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6lfKwsG4e
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJshwi3cTz
Tim 掏出衫袋的煙盒，抽了一支叼在嘴上：「只有當有新人搬入去你間屋嘅嗰一年。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGaSTOibT6
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fj4SmwKiN
「所以你都見過？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lu3r3DfdB
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk59GWwI9HJ
「見過？我認識佢哋一家。又或者，我先係造成呢場悲劇嘅元兇。」Tim凝視花瓶的白花，眼眸中露出難以明喻的愧疚。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4tpYf00jw
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zSOHVjF2D
一片花瓣無聲掉落窗台，Tim拿起火機點煙，說出那一段不為人知的往事⋯⋯178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkIkLqFV9E
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBGSxpgoZB
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0pDMFu7vU
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1X5IMRjJ8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCRp37CJrO
嚓。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdnpEj9MbO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkpaSaU20j
「喔，唔該唔該。」Tim輕拍遞上火機的手示意。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnYwE2ZQXO
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiavf0XmtG
坐在Tim對面的男人身穿皮褸牛仔褲，有一頭棕啡頭髮，鷹鼻下是一雙無情的薄唇，臉頰有點點雀斑，左耳上夾住一根煙，看上去像一個入型入格的壞男人。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGKOL9NX43
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg9Hlluoyj
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQUn4NmgI9
這個壞男人叫Simon，這個故事不能或缺的男主角 。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxam2vJkGw
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mIiXN12Tp
Simon跟Tim在同一間建築公司工作，是後者的前輩，私底下兩人也是認識多年的朋友。自從Simon跟Tim成為鄰居後，兩個家庭更不時聚會，所以Tim也認識Simon的妻子和孩子，Patricia和Jack。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexAnDTOYpJ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOH0J1dqtO
Patricia的家在蘇格蘭經營傳統生意，家境不錯，而且擁有漂亮的臉蛋和一頭柔順如綢的及腰長髮，純樸的氣質勝過那個年代不少明星。她在一次到南邊城市旅行時遇上Simon。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHGpFOBeEc
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjO3DxIbPY
Patricia沒有大小姐脾氣，是一個賢淑的妻子，也是一個好母親。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvf89OccZ6
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufEUaITQU5
要說的是，Simon和Tim雖然抽同一牌子的煙，但性格南轅北轍。Simon為人好勝，不但沉迷賭博，而且花天酒地，這樣的男人能娶妻生子，是他的福份，也是Patricia母子的不幸。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofcrfSyhc5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KdwrtnIbY
跟一般當地人一樣，他們在假日經常聚會，因此。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdkyUtsZ2y
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew43QnXHEs
「係喇，我之前見到Patricia⋯⋯佢塊面瘀咗，唔會係你打佢吧？」Tim試探道。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHjlCNG7mf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNIrh6wfu3
Simon呼出一口煙：「唔關我事，佢自己唔小心跌親。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2AUUuFGtK
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDKPWKIYj7
Tim看到對方迴避自己的目光，頓時心裡有數。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3irDcoxZAF
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsLDc0Yfiw
「今次輸幾多錢？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzX5FZzchC
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Agwqins29
Simon聞言，露出一抹笑容，彷彿一直在等Tim這句話。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVeORH1642
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXT8ZsOWKZ
「兩千鎊。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWfR3qGsj2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3di4Ou21l
兩千鎊當然不是一個小數目，而且Tim已經不是第一次替這傢伙還債。可是因為Simon帶他入行，加上他不忍看到Patricia被當作出氣袋，所以還是選擇妥協。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrDTzNQ3Ma
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0DPZ5F1uF
「最後一次，唔好再拎去賭。自從你搬咗去嗰間屋⋯⋯」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusNk7KAOjf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3AVUBeUrz
「我間屋好好。」Simon眼中閃過一抹戾色，續說道：「唔好咁迷信，總之我今次一定戒賭。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy8tGp0EZ5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i4BeMGUfp
這是1997年，萬聖節前的一個星期。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipMph3d9rQ
事實上，Simon在1995年前買下那塊廢棄的空地前，Tim曾經多次勸止過。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEmYZy9va4
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52xSVpHsbZ
「Simon，你再考慮清楚先。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisym4Q6eg5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCtTqcPdTe
「我約好咗簽咗約，呢啲荀盤難得呀。再講，Jack 都已經5歲，我哋都一直搵緊地方安頓落嚟。」 Simon站在雜草叢生的空地前，滿意地點摸下巴。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgckedd09Q9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0n5VYiaC7
「嘛，咁確實比租屋好，但其實重有其他選擇。老婆，你話係唔係？」Tim一再勸說。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaYldIzbmE
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM6sXsHeTa
然而，Tim的妻子的說詞卻是不一。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NkvmucVZe
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWtyvOXfIA
「其實我都覺得住近啲好⋯⋯大家有個照應。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaiwhqy9pg
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVxCs4XtVi
Simon笑道：「係呀，住近啲好。重有邊度可以呢塊地咁划算？呢塊空地可以起幾層。我一手包辦，又可以慳一筆，半年內應該可以入伙囉。自己有間屋就唔候俾其他人睇死，嘿。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgM6N7KOQS
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBovnZ1vMl
Patricia聽到Simon的話尷尬地偏過頭。確實，父母由始至終都反對他們的婚事，覺得Simon為人不可靠，出身於貧窮的家庭。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9JQ9zgALo
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorE9zlQB7S
富不過三代，但窮絕對可以，是一種惡性循環。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaTAd5Ez8P
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FyitqQ1EM
Simon一直對此心懷介蒂，當一塊便宜的地出現在他面前，他哪裡能按捺這個吐氣揚眉的機會？178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuNTSRKHej
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4BRZWE6Jt
Simon一手抱起兒子：「嗱，之後你就有大屋住喇，重大過Tim叔叔間屋㗎。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy2Ycdn6AM
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXHJSRO584
Tim知道對方聽不進耳裡，也放棄繼續游說下去。也許，那個傳說只是騙小孩的故事罷了。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyvXqyCkVB
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16SI8SdTtl
他的目光被空地邊緣的小黃花吸引。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Y9uttbui
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInCneZ2EcQ
小黃花剛剛綻放，生機無比，像接下來一年的Simon一家的美滿生活。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvghBDstA2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgReedmHPy
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkahgSadvi
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbFCu6XGhb
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSuSbifxVJ
Tim捻熄煙蒂，若有所思地攪動杯中的咖啡。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Pck52BhE
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2Ch6jNAiW
「花會開，自然有淍落嘅時候。Simon 間屋比預期快完工，一家三口搬入去。最初都幾好，Simon重喺賭場贏到一大筆錢。但諗返轉頭，本來佢買嗰塊地嘅資金都係因為賭錢贏返嚟⋯⋯說好似魔鬼向佢招手一樣。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0NNN1fSMH
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3yvYgki85
「佢之後開始輸錢？」我並不意外。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge8p5R0R4h
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi792eY9Q5
輸錢皆因贏錢起，這可是老生常談。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFy3uf3vzw
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jje545g2e
「嗯，大約96年冬天吧，當時落緊雪。Simon第一次向我借錢，起初數目唔大，我都以為佢會收手。但之後佢經常流露著晒魔嘅陌生眼神，我就記起嗰一個傳說。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoEStOHYOT
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDb7IexO4O
「傳說，你最初勸Simon 唔好買嘅原因？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKytXaLwAa5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFTYcgtpBG
Tim點點頭：「血樹傳說。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9knNTbPTrS
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSCZmUEw0P
「What the⋯⋯」Mia說。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsgmaj9bHy
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKqnJZPkyU
「fuck？」我補充。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R5VlIQZja
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVpOnvZqRl
「女巫與血樹嘅傳說。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrAaB5uEt2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKmXUUnxKK
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5spN8B3HH2
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjZFMo1PqV
那是1997年前10月31日，Tim最後一次看到Patricia和小男孩Jack。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd63m2aUFDp
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHpJbT1IF3
這時候，Jack和Tim的大兒子在家裡的後花園追逐嬉戲。Tim抱著女兒和Patricia坐在屋外的太陽傘下聊天。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXEz0mRDE0
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemihhq4jmF
「Patricia，佢又打你？」Tim瞧看Patricia的墨鏡，看見眉角的傷口。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOlQqNbX5V
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT4lpzC4Rp
Patricia趕忙搖頭：「唔，係我唔小心撞親。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDzfiLx6y9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06hhAxce5n
「Bloody Simon！死性不改，我過去幫你教訓佢。」Tim捲起衣䄂，怒氣匆匆地站起來，打算為Patricia出頭。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlv03mDn2X
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y8JE5C3px
「佢前日出咗去，到今日都未返。不過佢今晚一定會返。佢往年都會陪Jack過萬聖節。佢只係最近心情唔好。自從搬咗嚟之後，佢變咗好多。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVubMViyokJ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQducAIdRs
「Patricia，你哋快啲搬走。搬去其他地方又好，過嚟暫住一下都好，總之離開嗰間屋。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqImIA0UjDC
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfb82qJpsa
這時候，Tim的妻子剛好推門走出花園，與Patricia四目交投，Tim並沒有為意兩人眼神中的異樣之色。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqJ4jiBkqH
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0ERZEhBPw
Patricia尷尬地笑道：「Simon好快就冇事。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBxLYTNUxv
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3FXFXsUW9
「你聽我講，血樹傳說可能係真，嗰塊地係不祥之地。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiiY0sg8KI
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA057mh7oof
血樹傳說的起源於十四世紀，與當時的奪走大量人類生命的黑死病有莫大關係。當時的醫學水平不及現今發達，疫症在歐洲肆虐，人們束手無策，每天活在徨恐中，只能祈禱疫情早日完結。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiniROtALx
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgafTSAM4Oy
信仰是一把雙面刃，能帶給人們希望，同時也可以是絕望。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1ekk1k9hF
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp4Nxri6UL
「係女巫嘅惡毒邪術導致呢場災難！要完結呢場噩夢，就要搵出施巫術嘅女巫！」第一個人提出。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTiyF2BgiH
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXFGpQbJX6
「討伐女巫！！！將女巫吊死！！！」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXCfk27VER
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BYV8o4xba
「燒死可惡嘅女巫！」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwxsOmOwoa
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7DSEKdg9z
人聲鼎沸，人們在民間掀起一場以討伐女巫為名的大屠殺。至於當時的中部大陸也不例外，人們把自以為的女巫抓到刑場處決。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lNeSc0RPt
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ799iuU1xtC
先扒去衣服，吊在柳樹上示眾三日三夜。如果中途被亂石頭掉死算幸運，還有氣息的被視為強大的女巫，被淋上熱油後再活活燒死，畫面殘酷得讓人髮指。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLHyziRW29
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVkKaXozaC
那段時間，柳樹掛滿一具具女屍。其中有女巫嗎？沒有人知道，但枉死的女子絕對更多。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCaL1EcUHG
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtftMMM2Ld
黑死病消失，屠殺女巫的迷信行為被禁止。但在此之後的某日，人們發現了有一株詭異至極的柳樹。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkvqYnmVD0
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6DniqWXbe
風吹過，能聽見淒厲的慘叫聲。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0osacTehZl
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHViVsUbjvI
砍進樹幹，流出來的是腥紅的鮮血。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXucDjftKs
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVvyYnHgF3
將濕潤的泥土拿上手把玩，殘留強烈的血腥味。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly0H2FAh93
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvIDX0Mxx9
由於這株柳樹過於恐怖，所以最後被人民合力砍掉，請來神父淨化。但更離奇的是，傳聞所有參與砍樹的人和神父事後都死於非命，先後上吊，彷彿遭到邪靈的詛咒似的。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXEnZIGefa
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV9VgYwcI4
「Tim，真係唔使擔心我哋。」Patricia握住Tim的手，衷心感謝Tim的關心。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7f0Q6COq1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguneI4woSw
「Jack，過嚟同Tim叔叔講媽媽教你嘅說話。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYAuy6QfF7
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLJl2pwNHk
「知道！」小男孩穿著白色小西裝，跑到Tim的面前。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cPBR715k5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlX6htpNOc
「The sky is blue⋯⋯」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzc8zejJuP
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3OcgA4cIC
「The grass is green⋯⋯」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypa7V8TTl5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ60fWgA3W
「May we have our Halloween？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxRxXvc5Rz
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS84FIgFK6b
「If not a penny, a ha’penny will do⋯⋯」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD0T5NZWMk
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NnFU5vJXP
「If not a ha’ penny, then God bless you!」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgKckJS0C5
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pWBt94M3j
男孩Jack 吐舌，乖巧地伸出手。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kfL1stU73
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJrvkbIpVe
「Trick or treat？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tNIBqzcQ1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0bHpjLBAk
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X7S9v9hjN
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9t5CUCNFe
聽到Tim 唸出那幾句說話，我和Mia頃刻被寒意佔據身體每個角落。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PMB2HAcw9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdHxHkO3KD
Patricia和小男孩Jack正是一直纏著他們的鬼母子！178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgbpaPLzQ8
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwSGfyPafo
「嗰晚之後，我哋冇再見過Patricia同Jack。至於Simon見過一次。佢當時拖住行李走得好急。我問過佢嗰兩母子究竟喺邊，佢只係答我離家出走。一年之後，Simon因為欠債，走投無路，喺樹林嘅柳樹上吊自殺。由於死法太過離奇，所以報紙都有大肆報導。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdnO3fNF3y
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrke3dB9Do
「離奇？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJzq2can3V
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rIma0KKJJ
「兩隻眼血淋淋，但現場搵唔到佢嘅眼珠。一個失明嘅人走入森林上吊自殺，你覺得有可能嗎？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhj34IupD1
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpO6EMkuMM
Tim喝光咖啡，續道：「自此之後，認識呢對母子嘅街坊都唔再慶祝萬聖節。因為我哋相信Patricia同Jack喺萬聖節遇害，已經唔喺人世。如果我當時用盡辦法留低Patricia，事情未必會變成咁。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1bJvOf4T9
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pRNhrDixc
Mia不解地問道：「你點解肯定佢哋死咗？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLeywptW9e
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC9Uyk2yVO
Tim遙看壁爐上照片，露出一抹淒酸的笑容：「我太太同我講。『係報應，Patricia咁強年來都唔肯原諒我呀』⋯⋯我太太臨走前一年病入膏肓，呢一句係佢最清醒嘅說話。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdsuKQaDP6
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWLjoopy2y
「等等先，我唔係好明白。」我聽得一頭冒水。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfrzFyXmqK
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a2PEVDUKA
「我太太同Simon⋯⋯嘿嘿。我嘅大仔都唔係我親生嘅。哧，其實哧我一直都知個仔唔似我。但我對天父發過誓嘛，老婆始終都老婆，係咪親生仔都係我養大，養隻巴西龜都有感情啦。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmk6YRHb5I
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mC5kCF4rp
很綠，十分綠。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsFlr8kuqi
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmPOcSJzqe
他的綠，比巴西龜、忍者龜和Marvel的變形俠醫都比下去。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ084KYkZ6u3
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe5a6NBpq5
Mia瞄我一眼，對Tim 說道：「你係一個好男人。如果係我就未必做得到。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1s5EltPRF
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43c0zX319N
「都已經老夫老妻，是但啦。不過，自從Patricia消失之後，我太太開始惡疾纏身，病情反反覆覆，手術都做過好多次，但一直唔畀佢解脫，好似有一種無形嘅力量刻意要佢受盡折磨。二十年來，每日佢都喺病痛中渡過。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsFL2r4IcU
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqUmD7mnVb
「佢居然冇自殺？」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7ewmQucvf
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QmOL98rf9
Mia瞪我一眼，用力踩在我的腳背上。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7ID4q2zIn
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnLcdXmsQX
「唔好意思。」我聳肩道歉。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYqExCPkNZ
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhlGqwWZan
Tim不在意地笑了笑：「我太太認為活著係最好嘅贖罪，即使我哋嘅大仔好多年前都已經填命⋯⋯唔，係車禍。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguToH9iCNs
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAO66mbnoj
Tim凝視我們：「對唔住，我都唔知有咩能夠幫到你哋。又或者，其實今日係你兩個幫咗我呢一個大叔，哈哈。我一直見唔到佢哋兩母子。如果你哋唔好彩見到佢哋，就幫我道歉吧。」178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLsYzvVbdG
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI9NDvI51o
這是Tim跟我們說最後一段說話。178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa77dGBWlHl
178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ971y855eL7
＊178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY0Qz5jxnn
然後按「加至主畫面」